Virginia Simple Assault Lawyers

In Virginia, simple assault is a criminal offense punishable under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57 and is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor

Below is a sample case of simple assault in Virginia as interpreted by a lawyer in our firm.

Have you been charged with simple assault in Virginia and need a lawyer to defend you?

Are you concerned about the consequences of being charged with simple assault in Virginia?

Under Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57,

"A. Any person who commits a simple assault or assault and battery is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor, and if the person intentionally selects the person against whom a simple assault is committed because of his race, religious conviction, color or national origin, the penalty upon conviction shall include a term of confinement of at least six months, 30 days of which shall be a mandatory minimum term of confinement…."

For a lot of our clients, simple assault can result in the loss of their job, their security clearance or even their immigration status.

Don’t risk going to court without a lawyer, if you have been charged with simple assault in Virginia. Contact our law firm for help and speak with a lawyer today.

Our law firm has the necessary experience to assist you with this matter. We will do our absolute best to help you get the best result possible based on the facts of your case.

James v. Commonwealth

Facts:

Defendant, convicted by the Circuit Court of Loudoun, Virginia, of assaulting a police officer, appealed contending that the trial judge answered a jury question in a manner that was inconsistent with the specific intent requirement of the simple assault statute under which she was convicted.

If you are facing a criminal case in Virginia, contact a SRIS Law Group lawyer for help. You can reach us at 888-437-7747

Holdings:

The Virginia Court made the following holding:

Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57(C) does not require proof that the accused intentionally selected the victim as does a violation of Va. Code Ann. § 18.2-57(A), (B). A person violates § 18.2-57(C) if she commits an assault or an assault and battery against another person, knowing or having reason to know that the other person is a law enforcement officer engaged in the performance of his public duties. Nothing in the language of § 18.2-57(C) indicates a desire by the legislature to mitigate the offense if an officer is accidentally assaulted by the accused striking out in general.